Houston is known for its challenging climate, from occasional tropical storms to scorching summers. Keeping your trees thriving can be somewhat tricky – especially when you factor in the area's soil conditions.
Fortunately, with the proper care, you can make sure your trees grow strong and healthy. If you are a tree enthusiast, gardener, or homeowner, continue reading for practical tree care tips for North Texas.
Understanding the Northwest Houston Tree Ecosystem
Houston is home to a wide range of beautiful trees. The most common kinds of trees in the area include:
Live oak trees are by far the most popular trees not just in Houston but also in Texas. Loved for their tall structure and sprawling branches, these trees usually grow between 30 and 40 feet tall and 75 feet wide.
Drummond red maple trees are an excellent option for anyone looking for a Texas native that proliferates. The trees, which are known to attract birds, grow well in moist, acidic soils.
Texas Vitex trees (also referred to as Texas Superstar Plant) are known for their show-stopping beauty. This popular choice is known to attract butterflies and bees when it is in full bloom - between May and September.
Other popular varieties in the area include Texas ash, Spanish oak, and black cherry trees. If fruit trees are more to your taste, apple, orange, and mulberry trees are also quite popular in Houston.
These species of trees handle the local climate well, thriving in the dry and extreme heat experienced in and around this part of the country. Furthermore, they do well in the local soil conditions. Even though the well-drained alkaline clay soils are not the most nutrient-rich, these varieties can thrive with the proper care.
Seasonal Tree Care Tips for Northwest Houston
Keep your trees in great shape throughout the year with the following tips:
Spring: Rising temperatures create the perfect opportunity to clear away clutter and give the sunshine a clear path to the core of the tree. As such, this season marks the best time for professional tree trimming. For proper tree nutrition, be sure to fertilize it as well. Our tree specialist can help you with soil conditioning to ensure that your tree has everything it needs to thrive.
Summer: Considering how brutal summers can be in this part of the country, proper hydration is vital in keeping your tree healthy – especially in the case of young trees. Make sure that you deep water the base of your tree once or twice a week. To avoid overwatering (which can have an adverse effect), allow the soil to dry between waterings. Cover tree roots with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect them from the harsh sun.
Autumn/Fall: Contact our team to handle branch and leaf removal and prevent fall foliage from becoming a safety hazard. Prepare your tree for the approaching dry winter weather with a final deep watering. Lastly, it would be best to enhance your plant's resilience by applying a winterizing fertilizer.
Winter: While trees are considered to be resting during this season, they should be inspected from time to time. If you spot any issues, contact our seasoned experts for emergency tree care if and when necessary.
Common Tree Diseases and Pests in Northwest Houston
Houston is home to a selection of illnesses and pests that can significantly impact the health of your tree(s). Some of the most common pests include spider mites, southern pine beetles, and scale. In terms of tree diseases, gall, oak wilt, mildew, citrus greening, and chlorosis are the most commonly occurring threats.
To prevent outbreaks and keep your trees healthy, it is recommended that you inspect them for common indicators of infestations like webbing, holes, and leaf discoloration. Make sure that you keep your yard clean by removing any fallen debris, branches, and dead trees. You should also use Integrated Pest Management strategies such as targeted applications of pesticides and fungicides and biological controls to prevent and get rid of infestations.
Proper Tree Pruning Techniques
Pruning should be done with great care, as cuts have the potential to alter the overall growth of the plant. Some of the main benefits of pruning include boosting the penetration of air and light beneath the tree crown, taking any necessary corrective measures, and improving safety and aesthetics.
Density Reduction boosts the growth of interior foliage by creating more space for air and light penetration.
Raising focuses on creating room for pedestrians, vehicles, and buildings by removing lower branches.
The removal of loosely attached, diseased, dead, or dying branches from the crown of a tree is referred to as cleaning.
Reduction helps maintain the structural integrity and form of a tree. This technique involves the removal of the upper branches of a tree to reduce its size – usually to clear room for utility lines.
The Benefits of Professional Tree Assessments
Professional tree assessments are integral to maintaining safe and healthy trees on your property.
One of the most important advantages of professional tree assessments is the identification of potential hazards in your trees. To prevent or reduce the risk of injury, death, or damage, our experts can identify hidden and apparent threats that can cause diseases and structural issues and increase the chances of falling.
These professional tree care services can also help spot any possible risks related to trees' location. Seasoned experts can use their knowledge and skills to evaluate trees' health and integrity, uncovering any hidden issues.
DIY Tree Care vs. Professional Services
Tree care involves a variety of activities, from routine health checks and tree removal to pruning and trimming. To ensure that your trees remain in tip-top condition, you will have to decide whether to hire a professional tree service or do it yourself.
Handling the work yourself can help you save money and connect with nature. This option also gives you the freedom to choose when and how you want to care for your tree. However, if it's not done correctly, it might cost you more later.
Professional tree care services come with a number of essential benefits. For starters, you can be sure that all tree care activities will be done safely. Through skilled and knowledgeable use of resources, professional service providers reduce wastage and the potential for damage associated with fertilization and/or pruning mistakes. Seasoned pros are also able to conduct comprehensive tree assessments and come up with any measures needed to boost the health and appearance of trees.
How to Choose a Tree Care Service in Northwest Houston
Most people hire professional tree services for their experience and convenience. To increase the likelihood of making the right decision, ask the following questions when interviewing potential hires:
How long have you been offering tree care services?
Do they have certified arborists on their team?
What equipment will they be using?
Do they have ways of minimizing any potential damage to your property/yard?
What are their past customers saying about them?
Are they insured?
The answers to these questions will give you a clear idea of who you are dealing with. This will allow you to make an informed final decision.
Contact Monster Tree Service for Expert Tree Care
Maintaining healthy and appealing trees in North Texas requires various factors, such as choosing suitable tree species, ensuring proper care throughout the year, implementing the right pruning techniques, and preventing and managing pests and diseases.
Interested in premium tree care services in Northwest Houston? Contact Monster Tree Service for expert advice and service.